A heated debate erupted on the Jeremy Vine show after Prince Harry's security request for his upcoming UK visit was turned down by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC). Callers argued that King Charles, not taxpayers, should foot the bill for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's protection.
Security Request Denied
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK for the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games 2027. However, just a week before the family's scheduled arrival, RAVEC denied their request for police protection. According to The Sun, Harry may now travel alone if security cannot be arranged.
Public Outcry on Live TV
On the Jeremy Vine show, hosts Charlotte Hawkins and Mike Parry fielded calls from viewers. Carol from Kent told Charlotte: “They made the decision to leave. His grandmother said, ‘You couldn’t be half in and half out.’ He made that decision; we should not be footing the bill for it. If he wants to bring his children to see his grandparents, then I think the Royal Family should actually foot the bill privately.” She added: “Once the government steps in and says we will foot the bill this time, it opens the precedent that we will be doing that for the rest of their lives, and I don’t agree with it.”
Jean from South Lanarkshire echoed similar sentiments: “I don’t think the taxpayers need to pay for it. I think the King is rich, one of the richest people in the world. And if he wants to see the children before he dies, he should pay for it.”
Mike Parry Calls for Harry to Pay
GB News panellist Mike Parry disagreed, arguing that Prince Harry should cover the costs himself. He said: “You say the King should pay for it, shouldn’t Harry pay for it? He seems to have made millions and millions of dollars by going over and telling terrible stories about the Royal Family. Why doesn’t he pay for it?” The viewer countered that Harry “doesn’t have to” because “if the King wants to see the children, he could help them.” Parry retorted: “Sorry, to make it clear, he wants the use of Scotland Yard’s top security team to protect his family. Nobody can go to Scotland Yard and say, ‘We’re going to hire you for the day.’ It’s ridiculous.”
Royal Estate Offer and Government Stance
Harry and Meghan's team had accepted an offer to stay on a royal estate as guests of King Charles during the trip. But on Friday, they were informed that no police protection would be provided. A government spokesman stated: “It is our longstanding policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.” The spokesman added that the protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate.”
Harry's Dilemma
A source told The Sun: “Harry is reassessing things. Ultimately, he is going to do everything he can to find a way to bring them over safely.” The outcome remains uncertain as the family's travel plans hang in the balance.
